CHW166-Pest Control Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Pest Control Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that effective and proactive pest control measures are in place at {{org_field_name}} to maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for all residents, staff, and visitors. This policy outlines how we prevent, monitor, and respond to pest-related issues in compliance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, The Food Safety Act 1990, The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Public Health legislation. As part of our commitment to high-quality care and infection prevention, we recognise that pest infestations can pose a serious risk to health and well-being, food safety, and the integrity of the care home environment. Our aim is to prevent pest ingress and promptly manage any pest incidents through professional intervention, routine inspection, and staff vigilance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all areas of {{org_field_name}} including kitchens, food storage areas, laundry rooms, bin storage, resident bedrooms, gardens, utility areas, and communal spaces. It applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, and any third parties who enter or work within the premises. It also covers procedures relating to pest prevention, identification, reporting, and remediation of infestations caused by rodents, insects (including ants, cockroaches, flies, bedbugs), birds, and other vermin.
3. Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW19 – Emergency and Business Continuity Plan
CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses Policy
CHW25 – Notification of Other Incidents Policy
4. Policy Statement and Implementation
A. Preventative Measures and Environmental Management
Prevention is our first line of defence. A well-maintained, clean, and hygienic environment is essential to deterring pest activity. All food preparation and dining areas are cleaned daily and waste is managed efficiently in accordance with infection control standards. External bins are secured, cleaned regularly, and stored away from main buildings. Entry points such as vents, doors, and pipe entries are regularly checked and sealed where necessary. Garden areas are maintained to reduce harbourage conditions for rodents and birds. Staff are trained to store food correctly, keep areas tidy, and report early signs of pest activity.
B. Routine Inspections and Professional Contracts
{{org_field_name}} holds a contract with a certified pest control provider to carry out scheduled inspections and preventative treatments throughout the year. These inspections include a thorough check of high-risk areas, identification of any signs of pest activity, bait station monitoring, and provision of detailed reports. In addition to scheduled visits, our pest control provider is on-call for emergency call-outs in the event of suspected or confirmed infestations. Reports from each inspection or treatment visit are logged and reviewed by the Registered Manager to ensure follow-up actions are completed.
C. Staff Awareness and Reporting Procedures
All staff are trained to recognise signs of pest activity such as droppings, gnawed materials, insect sightings, or unusual odours. Staff are instructed to report any suspected pest issues immediately to the senior staff on duty or the Registered Manager. A Pest Incident Log is maintained to record all reports, investigations, remedial actions, and outcomes. Staff are advised not to attempt to resolve pest problems themselves but to escalate appropriately for professional intervention. Regular team briefings and refresher training reinforce pest control procedures.
D. Food Hygiene and Waste Control
In line with food safety legislation and CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy, all food is stored in sealed containers and labelled with dates. Perishable food is stored in temperature-controlled conditions and monitored daily. Waste is removed from food preparation areas frequently and stored securely in designated waste disposal units. Waste bins are fitted with lids and are cleaned regularly. Kitchen staff undertake regular cleaning and deep cleaning is scheduled at least quarterly. Compliance with food hygiene standards is audited regularly and includes pest risk considerations.
E. Pest Control During Building Works or Deliveries
Where building maintenance, refurbishment, or deliveries are taking place, we take extra precautions to prevent pest ingress. Contractors are briefed on pest control protocols and required to secure access points, manage waste appropriately, and avoid creating harbourage zones. Deliveries, particularly of food or supplies, are checked for signs of pest contamination before acceptance and are promptly unpacked and stored.
F. Response to Infestation
In the event of a suspected or confirmed pest infestation, immediate steps are taken to protect the health and safety of residents and staff. The area is isolated where necessary, the pest control contractor is contacted for urgent response, and a risk assessment is undertaken. Residents and families are informed appropriately and sensitively, and any service disruption is managed through our Business Continuity Plan (CHW19). The source of the infestation is identified and remedied, and the affected area is deep-cleaned following treatment. Incident reports are completed in line with CHW24, and if the event meets the criteria for notifiable incidents, CIW is informed as per CHW25.
G. Infection Control and Resident Protection
All pest control measures are carried out in a manner that protects residents from harm. Use of chemical treatments is risk-assessed, and areas are vacated by residents during treatment if necessary. Traps or baits are installed out of reach of vulnerable individuals and are labelled. Where residents have allergies or sensitivities, alternative methods are considered. Pest control procedures are aligned with our infection prevention policy to ensure any biological risks (e.g., from droppings or carcasses) are effectively mitigated.
H. Record Keeping and Monitoring
The Registered Manager ensures that all pest control activities are documented and available for inspection. Records include inspection reports, treatment documentation, pest incident logs, staff training logs, and risk assessments. These records are reviewed monthly to identify trends, recurring issues, or areas requiring improvement. Audit results are reported to senior management and action plans are developed as necessary.
I. Staff Training and Roles
All staff receive training on basic pest awareness during induction and annual refreshers. This includes information on identifying signs of infestation, safe food handling, hygiene practices, and reporting procedures. The maintenance team receives additional training in environmental risk control. The Registered Manager oversees the pest control contract and ensures compliance with legislation and CIW expectations for cleanliness and safety.
5. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if there are changes in legislation, CIW regulations, or if an incident prompts a review. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring that pest control measures remain effective, records are up to date, and staff are informed of their responsibilities.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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